Deep learning constrained compressed sensing reconstruction improves high-resolution three-dimensional (3D) T2-weighted turbo spin echo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the lumbar spine.

AIM

We sought to assess the image quality of three-dimensional (3D) T2-weighted (T2w) turbo spin echo (TSE) sequences with deep learning (DL)-constrained compressed sensing (CS) reconstruction relative to a reference two-dimensional (2D) T2w TSE sequence for routine clinical lumbar spine MRI.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fifty-three patients underwent imaging of the lumbar spine with a sagittal 2D T2w TSE sequence and with two CS-accelerated 3D T2w TSE sequences (voxel size of 0.4 × 0.4 × 0.5 mm) with CS factors of 7 and 11. The CS-accelerated sequences were reconstructed with iterative reconstruction with wavelet transformation (conventional CS) and secondly with a DL-constrained CS reconstruction (named CS-AI). Two readers graded image quality, based on 8 metrics (overall image quality, presence of image noise, presence of motion artifacts, delineation/conspicuity and clarity of anatomical structures such as the spinal cord, cauda equine nerve roots, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), intervertebral disc, and bone marrow and intervertebral foramen) using Likert scales.

RESULTS

Overall inter-readout agreement was substantial (Krippendorff's α = 0.724, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.692-0.755). The CS7-AI and CS11-AI sequences were comparable or better than the 2D sequence in all 8 metrics (p < 0.001-p > 0.99). The CS7 and CS11 sequences were comparable or better than the 2D sequence in only 5 and 3 of the 8 metrics, respectively (p < 0.001-p > 0.99).

CONCLUSION

A DL-constrained CS reconstruction significantly improves the quality of accelerated high-resolution 3D T2w TSE imaging of the lumbar spine. Thus, high-quality imaging in a submillimeter resolution in all three imaging planes can be achieved without compromising the image quality as compared with standard 2D T2w TSE imaging.